Continuing Education


CONTINUING EDUCATION (CES)

In December 2011, the AIA Board of Directors voted to modify the AIA’s calendar year continuing education requirement. Per year, AIA members will be required to complete 12 hours of health, safety, and welfare (HSW) education, an increase from the previous requirement of 8 HSW.

The AIA Board will re-evaluate the sustainable design (SD) requirement in 2012. The new HSW requirement goes into effect in January 2012 and AIA members should fulfill their total 18 hours of continuing education during the calendar year.

Increasing the HSW requirement per year sets a higher standard for AIA members and will enable them to fulfill state licensing requirements for most states. Additionally, increasing the required number of HSW credits will raise the level and quality of our continuing education and professional development of architects.

Additional information and list of topics on health, safety, and welfare (HSW) – http://www.aia.org/education/ces/AIAB089080

Additionally, in calendar year 2012, aligning closer with state licensing boards’ practice, AIA members will no longer be able to self-report HSW courses for credit. Members will need to complete HSW credits by taking qualifying courses from registered AIA CES Providers and Providers will need to report HSW courses for members to receive HSW credits. Members can continue to self-report learning unit (LU) credit hours for non-provider courses and programs.

In the past, AIA members were able to attend courses outside of the AIA CES Provider network and submit a self-report online to be reviewed for HSW or SD credit. AIA CES is implementing this new HSW and SD credit policy to ensure quality education and establish an educational standard for the courses that AIA members attend.

WAYS TO LEARN AND EARN

In addition to attending monthly AIA San Fernando Valley Chapter programs and events, more recommendations on the best ways to maintain your yearly CES requirements follow:

Stay Informed

  • Check ‘Elevations’ the AIA San Fernando Valley Chapter newsletter and the referenced CES opportunities.
  • Read the CES Survival Guide for a basic overview of CES guidelines and requirements.

Get Involved

  • Join an AIA San Fernando Valley Chapter committee.
  • Attend the AIA National Convention and Expo, or visit AIA National and AIA California Council for events taking place outside of the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles Area.

Online Education

Self Report
Submit an online self-report form to:

  • Record time spent researching new knowledge for projects, committees, presentations, political activities, courses taught, or any other purpose.
  • Record attendance at relevant lectures and courses at museums and other organizations that are not AIA/CES providers.
  • Report your learning opportunities when you travel.
  • Report up to 2 LUs per year for volunteer service on committees, boards, and other projects promoting the architecture profession. Call AIA San Fernando Valley’s Chapter office for more opportunities.

Track Your Progress
Not sure how many LUs you’ve earned so far?
Use your member number to access your online CES transcript.

QUESTIONS

Confused about AIA CES requirements? Visit AIA National FAQ page